Brand name,in a nutshell,is the essence of your business.If we follow the dictionary of business management brand is "a name, sign or symbol used to identify items or services of the sellers and to differentiate them from goods of competitors".Simply speaking,brand is the image of the company developed in the mind of consumers.It helps customers to identify the companyâ€™s products or services from the others.

In this highly competitive business world it is essential to develop good marketing strategies and follow them religiously.Therefore,brand identity marketing is an essential part of the business.But there is a thin line between brand identity and corporate identity that one needs to understand in order to develop effective branding strategy.

Differentiate between Brand Identity and Corporate Identity

Brand identity is the total proposition that include the performance quality,services and support along with the promisesthe company makes to its customers.The brand can be perceived as a set of values that helps to acquire a place in people's mind.Brand image is how people see the brand while brand identity is very much what the company wants their brand to be perceived by the consumers out there.

Corporate identity,on the other hand, can be translated into the visual aspects of a company's existence.Building or reviving corporate identity entails modifying and modernizing logo,image designs and security aspects while keeping the core of the brandâ€“ that is,the name and image to its customers as it is.Unfortunately many companies get lead astray by various business consultancies while building their corporate identity.It is a misconception that changing logos,posters,advertisements and outlet designs of the company will help in popularizing brand.

Develop Brand Identity

There are several aspects of building and marketing brand identity.Systematic and practical approach can definitely earn you a good name to stand out in the constantly varying consumer world.To promote brand identity you can buy 'brand kit' that comprises logo,business cards,letterhead,envelope,brochure and most importantly website.All are uniquely designed to create distinct identity of your company.

Create a Personality

Branding can be given a personality to represent the business.If you are the sole owner of your business your brand name could reflect the positive sides of your personality while for joint ventures focus would be on consumer psychology and the quality of products and services.

Identify Unique Qualities

While exercising brand identity development find out and highlight some unique qualities of your products or services that will make you stand out in the crowd.

Remind Customers

Branding strategy implies creating an impression of your company with consumers and potential customers.Repeated use and display of the brand name definitely helps in constantly reminding consumers about your company and might kindle the desire to buy your products.Internet branding opens up multiple avenues to reach target audience and convey your product message in a cost-effective way.

Professional Approach

Apart from the creative side the brand needs to maintain corporate professionalism.Professionalism entails quality.Quality is the ultimate thing that the customers look for in your products and services.So,there is no better alternative to good service and quality products.

In reality,brand is that intangible association between company and the consumers that develops with time and creates a difference to the customers' view towards the company.Changes to visual aspects of the business are not enough to change customers' opinion regarding quality of products and services of a company.Such changes can only increase awareness and assure people about the company's concern about it looks and presentation.Therefore,the key factor behind the success of brand is evolution and not revolution.

About the Author:

Steve is a media professional and writes for different online publications on media and advertising industry. For more information on branding strategy and brand identity marketing,he recommends you to visit http://www.brandweek.com/.